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Rubus parviflorus - Nutt.

Common Name Thimbleberry
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 3-7
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Woodlands, canyons and open areas[62].
Range Western N. America - Alaska to Ontario and California. Occasionally naturalized in Britain[17].
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Rubus parviflorus Thimbleberry


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wsiegmund
Rubus parviflorus Thimbleberry
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wsiegmund

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Rubus parviflorus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

R. nutkanus.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers  Fruit  Shoots  Stem
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked[62, 101, 118, 183]. It makes excellent jams and preserves[257]. The fruit can also be dried for later use[183]. A sweet and pleasant flavour[2, 85, 94] though this is not always properly developed in the cooler summers of Britain[11]. The fruit is very seedy[155]. Rich in vitamin C[183]. The hemispherical fruit is about 20mm in diameter[200]. Young shoots - peeled and eaten cooked or raw[2, 85, 101, 118, 172]. The shoots are harvested as they emerge in the spring, and whilst they are still young and tender[161, 183]. They can be cooked like asparagus[257]. The shoots are rich in vitamin C[183]. Flowers - raw[172].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiemetic  Antiphlogistic  Appetizer  Astringent  Blood tonic  Dysentery  Poultice  Salve  
Stomachic  Tonic  Vitamin C  Women's complaints

The leaves are antiemetic, astringent, blood tonic and stomachic[172, 257]. An infusion is used internally in the treatment of stomach complaints, diarrhoea and dysentery, anaemia, the spitting up of blood and to treat vomiting[238, 257]. An infusion has been taken by women when their periods are unusually long[257]. A poultice of the dried powdered leaves has been used to treat wounds and burns[257]. The leaves have been crushed and rubbed over the skin to treat pimples and blackheads[257]. A poultice of the leaf ashes, mixed with oil, has been used to treat swellings[257]. The young shoots are alterative and antiscorbutic[257]. The roots are appetizer, astringent, stomachic and tonic[172, 257]. An infusion has been used by thin people to help them gain weight[257]. An infusion has also been used in the treatment of stomach disorders, diarrhoea and dysentery[238, 257]. A decoction of the roots has been taken in the treatment of pimples and blackheads[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye  Lining  Soap

The leaves are used to line baskets etc for carrying soft fruit or other delicate items[99, 118]. Plants are very vigorous and can be grown as a tall ground cover for large areas[208]. A soap is obtained from the boiled bark[99, 118, 257]. A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit[168].

Special Uses

Food Forest  Ground cover

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[1, 11, 200]. Can be grown in a woodland garden though it is less likely to fruit well in such a position[K]. This plant has perennial stems without prickles[200] and is less invasive than the related R. odoratus[182]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is multistemmed with multiple stems from the crown [1-2]. The root pattern is suckering with new plants from underground runners away from the plant [1-2].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - requires stratification, is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Sow stored seed as early as possible in the year in a cold frame and stratify for a month at 3°c if sowing later than February. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn. Division in early spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Nutt.

Botanical References

11200

Links / References

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Readers comment

Jian-Min Zhou   Tue Mar 17 2009

Hi, I would like to buy some seeds. Can you tell me where I can buy them? Thanks

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Subject : Rubus parviflorus  
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